This episode includes information on Bend City Council decisions and the state of the city, including policies for DEI, housing, road construction, and future plans for Bend over the next two years.
Electrification with Neil Baunsgard from The Environmental Center
Neil Baunsgard is Climate and Transportation Policy Manager at The Environmental Center. He visits The Point to talk about electrification - the effort to replace technologies and appliances that currently use fossil fuels with electric alternatives - and how the City of Bend is trying to reduce fossil fuel use in its buildings.
Bend City Update October 2024
Assistant City Attorney Ian Lighthouse and City Councilor Megan Perkins discuss how Bend could be impacted by the Supreme Court decision regarding homeless individuals and whether removal is considered cruel and unusual punishment. They also cover the housing shortage in Bend and the impact on plans for action for both City and County.
Welcoming Week 2024 comes to the City of Bend
The City of Bend’s Equity and Inclusion Director (and Liaison for the Human Rights and Equity Commission) Andres Portela is joined by the City of Bend's Community Relations Manager, Kathi Barguil to share plans for the city's 2024 Welcoming Week.
Bend City Update: Winter Road Maintenance
Bend City Councilor Mike Riley and David Abbas from Bend's Transportation and Mobility Department talk about road maintenance with an emphasis on winter road conditions. The need and rationale for the Bend City Transportation Fee was explored, as well as additional information about strategies and policies for communicating with community members during severe changes.
Bend's Collective Vision with City Councilor Mike Riley and Mayor Pro Tem Megan Perkins
Bend City Councilor Mike Riley and Bend Mayor Pro Tem Megan Perkins talk about current issues facing the City, the 2023-2025 Work Plan, and goals. They talked about the Collective Vision of the City and how they are functioning under the Guiding Principles, especially when dealing with affordable housing, infrastructure, the local environment and public safety. Citizens are encouraged to track issues and topics under discussion through the on-line City Agenda. The next plan for 2025-27 will be developed in the early part of 2025. Public input is welcomed in the first quarter of 2025.
Addressing Houselessness with Bend City Councilor Mike Riley
Bend City Councilor Mike Riley highlighted the primary issues facing the City Council during the year with a focus on state, regional and local government’s partnerships with public and private entities to address the houselessness issue. He also discussed the workings of the City Council and their oversight responsibilities.
Bend City Manager Eric King on the Transportation Fee
Bend City Manager Eric King discusses a transportation fee being being considered by the Bend City Council. Mr King talks about the need for maintaining the road systems in Oregon and why the fee is important to a growing city. Bend City Council will vote on the fee in 2024.
Part 2: Bend City Councilor Mike Riley and Housing Director Lynne McConnell on Affordable Housing
In part two of a discussing on housing, Bend City Councilor Mike Riley and Bend Housing Director Lynne McConnell discuss home affordability in Bend and what the city is doing to support development of affordable homes, including land expansion and housing projects.
Part 1: Bend City Councilor Mike Riley and Housing Director Lynne McConnell on Affordable Housing
In part one of a two-part conversation, Bend City Councilor Mike Riley and Housing Director Lynne McConnell talk about home affordability in Bend including plans for affordable house in the future.
Land Growth Management with Bend City Councilor Mike Riley
Bend City Councilor Mike Riley discusses land growth management in Bend.
The Oregon Land Use Plan with Brenna Visser
The Oregon Land Use Plan is a state-wide initiative that impacts growth and expansion of the cities in Oregon. Brenna Visser talks about her role with the city and the state's land use policy and helps the community understand all elements that impact city and state land use and growth.
Talking City Growth with Bend City Council Mike Riley
This conversation with Bend City Councilor Mike Riley explores new building in Bend with the goal of creating density rather than sprawl. In addition to city growth, there was conversation about the new fire levy, building projects in Bend (both east and west side), responsibilities of the City Council, and what drew Mike Riley to local politics.
City of Bend Water System Master Plan
The City of Bend's Utilities Director, Michael Buettner, talks about the city's Integrated Water System Master Plan.